Updates
Foreign visits
25
05, 2010
President Sargsyan’s working visit to the Kingdom of Belgium and European structures
In the framework of his working visit to Brussels, on May 25 the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan met with the Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Discussed were issues related to Armenia-NATO cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.
The parties noted with satisfaction that in the last decade considerable progress has been registered in the relations between Armenia and NATO, allowing for a continued active dialogue in the political and military areas. The implementation of the Individual Partnership Action Plan, NATO military exercises in Armenia, and Armenia’s extending participation in the NATO’s international peacekeeping operations were mentioned as the examples of efficient cooperation.
President Sargsyan said that Armenia would consistently continue to cooperate with the NATO allies and partner states in the areas such as fight against international terrorism, border protection and management, peacekeeping operations and others.
The President of Armenia stressed also the efficiency of the NATO assistance in the reformation of the Armenian Armed Forces.
The parties exchanged views on the current stage of the NK peace process and spoke about the suspension of the Armenian-Turkish process of normalization. The President of Armenia noted that by making preconditions and violating the pre-agreed timeframe, Turkey has exhausted her credit of a reliable negotiating partner.
* * *
On May 25 the President of Armenian Serzh Sargsyan had a working dinner with the President of the European People’s Party (EPP) Wilfried Martens.
President Sargsyan met also with the representatives of the Armenian organizations of Belgium and the Netherlands.
* * *
On May 26, in the framework of his visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, President Serzh Sargsyan met also with the EU Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht.
The parties discussed issues pertinent to the signing of a deep and comprehensive trade agreement with the European Union.
President Sargsyan said that Armenia attaches great importance to the signing of the agreement since the European Union is one of Armenia's major trade partner. The President said that Armenia, which became the WTO member in 2003, has already conducted serious reforms in the area of trade and has undertaken consistent steps to comply with the EC standards.
''Having a pretty good idea about the difficult and time-consuming process of preparing such agreement for signing, we anticipate your assistance in getting the results as soon as possible,'' President Sargsyan said.
* * *
On May 26 at the meeting with the President of the Belgian Senate Armand De Decker, President Serzh Sargsyan discussed issues related to the Armenian-Belgian cooperation.
The President of Armenia spoke with satisfaction about the bilateral relations which progress in the atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. He noted that the two countries enjoy a high level political dialogue, interparliamentary relations, economic and trade ties, as well as scientific, educational and cultural contacts.
President Sargsyan expressed hope that presidency of Belgium at the EU, which starts in June, would give a new impetus to the Armenian-Belgium cooperation in the framework of the EU, as well as in the framework of bilateral relations.
The two sides stressed the importance of strengthening the interparliamentary relations and reached agreement to stimulate active reciprocal visits.
The parties spoke also about the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian-Turkish normalization process, and the NK peace process.
* * *
On May 26, President Serzh Sargsyan met with the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.
President Sargsyan said that throughout Mr. Barroso’s tenure Armenia-EU relations have registered considerable progress. He also expressed gratitude for the macro-financial assistance provided by the European Union to Armenia during the global financial and economic crisis.
The parties discussed issues related to the EU policy aimed at the establishment of peace and security in the South Caucasus.
They also spoke about the possibilities for the expansion of Armenia-EU trade relations. President Sargsyan said that the European Union is a major trade partner for Armenia and the establishment of a deep and comprehensive free trade zone with EU would open new opportunities for the development of economic cooperation. President Sargsyan also noted that Armenia anticipates rigorous assistance of the European Union for advancing toward the signing of the agreement as soon as possible.
* * *
Same day, President Sargsyan met also with EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Olli Rehn.
At the meeting discussed were issues related to the macro-financial assistance provided by the EU to Armenia and development of Armenia-EU trade relations. The parties spoke also about the negotiations related to the signing of a deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and necessary conditions for their commencement.
The parties discussed the steps implemented toward the economic integration which are aimed at the creation in Armenia of the market system in compliance with the European standards. Serzh Sargsyan stressed that Armenia is determined to implement all the reforms necessary for the obtaining the market economy status. President Sargsyan noted that switch to GSP+ system has already produced positive results and stressed the importance of making another step forward, highlighting the significance of granting to Armenia the market economy status.
Discussed were also issues related to possible technical assistance of the European Union for the implementation of the reforms to be conducted in Armenia’s state structure for finance management.
* * *
On May 26, President Serzh Sargsyan met with EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule. At the meeting discussed was a wide range of issues pertinent to Armenia’s Eurointegration.
The President of Armenia said that cooperation with the European Union is important for the efficient implementations of reforms in all areas of public life. He also mentioned that close relations with the European Union has been a top priority of the Armenian foreign policy since day one of Armenia’s independence, while the recently launched Eastern Partnership program has opened a new stage in the relations between Armenia and EU. Serzh Sargsyan said that Eastern Partnership might become the setting where relations would develop not only with the European Union but also among the six partner states involved in the program.
The parties discussed also issues related to the signing of the association agreement between the EU and the countries of South Caucasus. Serzh Sargsyan underscored that Armenia was preparing very seriously for the negotiations, undertaking all the necessary structural and legal steps.
President Sargsyan and EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy spoke also about the visa facilitation for the citizens of Armenia traveling to the EU countries. The President of Armenia noted that free movement of people would enhance human contacts which would in turn create favorable conditions for the establishment of true cooperation in different areas.
The parties spoke also about the activities of the EU expert group in Armenia and expressed satisfaction with the group’s efficient work.
***
On May 26, President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Villa Empain center for Eastern and Western cultural studies and dialogue established by the Pogossian Foundation and headed by the well-known benefactors Jean and Albert Pogossian.
***
On May 27, President Serzh Sargsyan met with Baroness Catherine Ashton, Vice-President of the European Commission, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
President Sargsyan noted that Eurointegration remains a priority of the Armenian foreign policy.
The parties spoke about the opportunities offered by the Eastern Partnership program. They underscored that the format of the Eastern Partnership allows also to enhance cooperation among the South Caucasus countries and is an efficient tool for the establishment of peace and security in the region.
Discussed also were issues pertinent to the signing of the Armenia-EU association and free trade agreements and facilitation of visa regime for the citizens of Armenia traveling to the EU states.
President Sargsyan and Baroness Ashton spoke also about the Armenian-Turkish process of normalization and NK peace process.
***
On May 27, President Serzh Sargsyan met in Brussels with Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.
The President of Armenia reiterated the readiness of the Armenian authorities to cooperate closely with the European structures and stressed that due to her values and aspirations Armenia is an indivisible part of Europe.
Serzh Sargsyan underscored that Armenia’s cooperation with EU is also important for the successful implementation of the reforms in the areas of economy, efficient administration, democracy building, human rights and other areas of social life.
Welcoming the EU initiative to sign the association agreement with Armenia, President Sargsyan said that our country is ready to work vigorously on the draft of the agreement.
The parties also touched upon then issue of visa facilitation, noting that it would create favorable conditions for the establishment of true cooperation between the countries of the South Caucasus and EU. The President of Armenia said that toward that end Armenia is ready to expedite the process of signing the agreement on readmission with the EU member states.
The parties discussed also issued related to probable assistance of the EU to the processes of democratic reformation and liberalization of economy.
The parties noted with satisfaction that in the last decade considerable progress has been registered in the relations between Armenia and NATO, allowing for a continued active dialogue in the political and military areas. The implementation of the Individual Partnership Action Plan, NATO military exercises in Armenia, and Armenia’s extending participation in the NATO’s international peacekeeping operations were mentioned as the examples of efficient cooperation.
President Sargsyan said that Armenia would consistently continue to cooperate with the NATO allies and partner states in the areas such as fight against international terrorism, border protection and management, peacekeeping operations and others.
The President of Armenia stressed also the efficiency of the NATO assistance in the reformation of the Armenian Armed Forces.
The parties exchanged views on the current stage of the NK peace process and spoke about the suspension of the Armenian-Turkish process of normalization. The President of Armenia noted that by making preconditions and violating the pre-agreed timeframe, Turkey has exhausted her credit of a reliable negotiating partner.
* * *
On May 25 the President of Armenian Serzh Sargsyan had a working dinner with the President of the European People’s Party (EPP) Wilfried Martens.
President Sargsyan met also with the representatives of the Armenian organizations of Belgium and the Netherlands.
* * *
On May 26, in the framework of his visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, President Serzh Sargsyan met also with the EU Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht.
The parties discussed issues pertinent to the signing of a deep and comprehensive trade agreement with the European Union.
President Sargsyan said that Armenia attaches great importance to the signing of the agreement since the European Union is one of Armenia's major trade partner. The President said that Armenia, which became the WTO member in 2003, has already conducted serious reforms in the area of trade and has undertaken consistent steps to comply with the EC standards.
''Having a pretty good idea about the difficult and time-consuming process of preparing such agreement for signing, we anticipate your assistance in getting the results as soon as possible,'' President Sargsyan said.
* * *
On May 26 at the meeting with the President of the Belgian Senate Armand De Decker, President Serzh Sargsyan discussed issues related to the Armenian-Belgian cooperation.
The President of Armenia spoke with satisfaction about the bilateral relations which progress in the atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. He noted that the two countries enjoy a high level political dialogue, interparliamentary relations, economic and trade ties, as well as scientific, educational and cultural contacts.
President Sargsyan expressed hope that presidency of Belgium at the EU, which starts in June, would give a new impetus to the Armenian-Belgium cooperation in the framework of the EU, as well as in the framework of bilateral relations.
The two sides stressed the importance of strengthening the interparliamentary relations and reached agreement to stimulate active reciprocal visits.
The parties spoke also about the process of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian-Turkish normalization process, and the NK peace process.
* * *
On May 26, President Serzh Sargsyan met with the President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso.
President Sargsyan said that throughout Mr. Barroso’s tenure Armenia-EU relations have registered considerable progress. He also expressed gratitude for the macro-financial assistance provided by the European Union to Armenia during the global financial and economic crisis.
The parties discussed issues related to the EU policy aimed at the establishment of peace and security in the South Caucasus.
They also spoke about the possibilities for the expansion of Armenia-EU trade relations. President Sargsyan said that the European Union is a major trade partner for Armenia and the establishment of a deep and comprehensive free trade zone with EU would open new opportunities for the development of economic cooperation. President Sargsyan also noted that Armenia anticipates rigorous assistance of the European Union for advancing toward the signing of the agreement as soon as possible.
* * *
Same day, President Sargsyan met also with EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Olli Rehn.
At the meeting discussed were issues related to the macro-financial assistance provided by the EU to Armenia and development of Armenia-EU trade relations. The parties spoke also about the negotiations related to the signing of a deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and necessary conditions for their commencement.
The parties discussed the steps implemented toward the economic integration which are aimed at the creation in Armenia of the market system in compliance with the European standards. Serzh Sargsyan stressed that Armenia is determined to implement all the reforms necessary for the obtaining the market economy status. President Sargsyan noted that switch to GSP+ system has already produced positive results and stressed the importance of making another step forward, highlighting the significance of granting to Armenia the market economy status.
Discussed were also issues related to possible technical assistance of the European Union for the implementation of the reforms to be conducted in Armenia’s state structure for finance management.
* * *
On May 26, President Serzh Sargsyan met with EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy Stefan Fule. At the meeting discussed was a wide range of issues pertinent to Armenia’s Eurointegration.
The President of Armenia said that cooperation with the European Union is important for the efficient implementations of reforms in all areas of public life. He also mentioned that close relations with the European Union has been a top priority of the Armenian foreign policy since day one of Armenia’s independence, while the recently launched Eastern Partnership program has opened a new stage in the relations between Armenia and EU. Serzh Sargsyan said that Eastern Partnership might become the setting where relations would develop not only with the European Union but also among the six partner states involved in the program.
The parties discussed also issues related to the signing of the association agreement between the EU and the countries of South Caucasus. Serzh Sargsyan underscored that Armenia was preparing very seriously for the negotiations, undertaking all the necessary structural and legal steps.
President Sargsyan and EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy spoke also about the visa facilitation for the citizens of Armenia traveling to the EU countries. The President of Armenia noted that free movement of people would enhance human contacts which would in turn create favorable conditions for the establishment of true cooperation in different areas.
The parties spoke also about the activities of the EU expert group in Armenia and expressed satisfaction with the group’s efficient work.
***
On May 26, President Serzh Sargsyan visited the Villa Empain center for Eastern and Western cultural studies and dialogue established by the Pogossian Foundation and headed by the well-known benefactors Jean and Albert Pogossian.
***
On May 27, President Serzh Sargsyan met with Baroness Catherine Ashton, Vice-President of the European Commission, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
President Sargsyan noted that Eurointegration remains a priority of the Armenian foreign policy.
The parties spoke about the opportunities offered by the Eastern Partnership program. They underscored that the format of the Eastern Partnership allows also to enhance cooperation among the South Caucasus countries and is an efficient tool for the establishment of peace and security in the region.
Discussed also were issues pertinent to the signing of the Armenia-EU association and free trade agreements and facilitation of visa regime for the citizens of Armenia traveling to the EU states.
President Sargsyan and Baroness Ashton spoke also about the Armenian-Turkish process of normalization and NK peace process.
***
On May 27, President Serzh Sargsyan met in Brussels with Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council.
The President of Armenia reiterated the readiness of the Armenian authorities to cooperate closely with the European structures and stressed that due to her values and aspirations Armenia is an indivisible part of Europe.
Serzh Sargsyan underscored that Armenia’s cooperation with EU is also important for the successful implementation of the reforms in the areas of economy, efficient administration, democracy building, human rights and other areas of social life.
Welcoming the EU initiative to sign the association agreement with Armenia, President Sargsyan said that our country is ready to work vigorously on the draft of the agreement.
The parties also touched upon then issue of visa facilitation, noting that it would create favorable conditions for the establishment of true cooperation between the countries of the South Caucasus and EU. The President of Armenia said that toward that end Armenia is ready to expedite the process of signing the agreement on readmission with the EU member states.
The parties discussed also issued related to probable assistance of the EU to the processes of democratic reformation and liberalization of economy.